Tom Homan, President Trump's designated immigration enforcement chief, affirmed his commitment to remaining in Minnesota until enforcement objectives are met, despite significant local opposition. Homan indicated a willingness to cooperate with state officials while maintaining a hard line against undocumented migrants, blaming prior administrations for current tensions.
Tom Homan, acting as President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement coordinator, confirmed on Thursday that federal operations in Minnesota will continue indefinitely, signaling an escalation of the administration’s crackdown on undocumented migrants despite mounting public protests.Homan, deployed to the Midwestern state following recent fatal encounters involving immigration officers and U.S. citizens, stated his intention to coordinate with local authorities who have criticized federal conduct, though he simultaneously reinforced the administration's commitment to targeting individuals deemed national security risks.Shifting Tactics Amid EscalationThe coordinator suggested that increased cooperation with state and county entities could eventually lead to a reduction, or “drawdown,” of federal personnel currently deployed under the operation dubbed Operation Metro Surge.“I’m staying until the problem’s gone,” Homan told reporters, emphasizing that individuals residing in the country without authorization remain targets, regardless of campaign promises to focus solely on criminals.Immigration monitoring groups report that federal agencies are increasingly employing broad, dragnet enforcement strategies to meet internal detention quotas, a claim that contrasts with Homan’s assertion that operations are strictly “targeted.” Reports surfaced last week that off-duty state and local law enforcement officers, primarily people of color, were randomly stopped and questioned about their documentation status.Homan highlighted a meeting with State Attorney General Keith Ellison, noting progress on clarifying protocols for county jails to notify ICE regarding the release dates of individuals classified as “criminal public safety risks.” However, it remains unclear if this constitutes a formal policy shift, as Minnesota facilities already possess discretion to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.The deployment of Homan followed the replacement of Greg Bovino, the previous top Border Patrol official in the region, amid internal review prompted by the controversial enforcement surge. Homan acknowledged that internal improvements were necessary within ICE and Border Patrol, stating that officers must adhere to professional standards under challenging conditions.The broader geopolitical context involves growing domestic political friction, as Senate Democrats have threatened to attach restraints on Department of Homeland Security funding to future appropriations bills unless stricter safeguards on agent conduct are implemented following the controversial officer-involved shootings.
